This saying changed the lives of KwaZulu-Natal couple Ali Nangamso and Nosizwe Mji.

After fighting for 13 weeks for a chance to win R1 million, the two were announced as the winners of the first season of KFC Taste Kitchen at an exclusive event recently.

Speaking to SunFood, Nosizwe said they were excited to be announced as the winners.

“For us, when we entered the competition, it was all about finding out how far we could go.”

She said they have now realised that nothing is impossible if you push yourself forward.

The couple is based in Durban where they plan to open their homestyle restaurant when the time is right.

“We want to travel first and then open a restaurant that will accommodate and express both our lifestyles.”

Nosizwe said the aim of the restaurant would be to serve fresh ingredients and focus more on sustainable eating.

“Ali is now cooking full time while I run my yoga studio and Beats accessory businesses.”

KFC Taste Kitchen was launched in July. It was hosted by Bonang Matheba and the judges were actress-turned-cooking expert, Lucia Mthiyane, and trend-setting celebrity chef Lentswe Bhengu.

The runners up were Natasha Gumede and Nandi Tshabalala, and they walked away with R250 000 each.

Thabisa Mkhwanazi, public affairs director at KFC Africa, said: “We wanted to inspire cooks at home and take them on a journey of innovation and explosive taste with the hope of inspiring new local side dishes.

“Congratulations to Ali and Nosizwe, and our runners up, Nandi and Natasha.

“We hope this experience will give them a platform to reach greater heights.”